Ski For Light: A Nonprofit Organization To Promote The Physical Fitness Of Visually And Mobility Impaired Adults

Ski for Light, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 1975 to promote the physical fitness of visually and mobility impaired adults in an environment where "we can't" is replaced with "we can." Disabled and able-bodied people join together in a one-on-one partnership to learn from each other through physically demanding activities.

It is the mission of Ski for Light, Inc. to sponsor these physically demanding sporting events throughout the country, including regional and international programs designed to teach cross-country skiing to visually and mobility impaired persons. To achieve this end, able-bodied and disabled persons are paired to promote a working partnership. In addition, Ski for Light, Inc. spreads its philosophy to as many people as possible each year and it serves as a resource to communities, organizations and individuals.

International Ski For Light

Each year Ski for Light, Inc. lays down tracks at a different winter sports area across the nation for a week of cross-country ski instruction, fitness workshops and cultural activities. The participation of Norwegian-Americans lends a unique flavor to the program due to their enthusiasm for Nordic skiing, fitness and cultural diversity. Participants from more than a dozen countries have shared their culture, skiing skills and experiences with Americans at the SFL International Event. The final Race/Rally gives participants a chance to taste success in an activity once thought impossible for a disabled person.

Regional Ski For Light Sports For Health

Each year, more and more regional programs are coordinated by Ski for Light "alumni" throughout the U.S. with the goal of offering outdoor fitness opportunities for visually and mobility impaired persons. Both weekend and weeklong programs are included to teach disabled individuals to cross- country ski and to ice sled.

Disabled People Become Physically Fit:

Hundreds of thousands of visually and mobility impaired persons lead isolated, inactive and/or unhealthy lives because they have not been able to learn leisure activities through mainstream programs. SFL's one-on-one partnership approach enables such persons to learn these leisure activities. Once skills and confidence are developed in the supportive and relaxed environment of Ski for Light programs, participants tackle the "sighted and able-bodied" world with the self-assurance needed to join in community recreational activities. They discover new friends, increased energy, boosted morale, rewarding careers and fuller lives through Ski for Light's introduction to health and fitness.

Volunteer Instructor Guides Share Skills:

Each disabled participant is paired with a volunteer who donates his or her skills in cross-country skiing and other fitness activities. People from all walks of life share with disabled persons the experience of the exhilarating outdoors. Since the emphasis at Ski for Light is on first-time participants, much time is spent providing basic instruction and verbal guidance. On the ski trails, guides draw word pictures of the beautiful outdoors while keeping participants on track.

Wish List

Among its development goals, Ski for Light Funds is seeking funding for: partial scholarships for low-income visually and mobility impaired individuals; the recruitment and training of instructor guides; braille and audio instructional materials; and ski equipment for beginners.

Ski for Light, Inc.
1455 West Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Phone: 612-827-3232
Email: info@sfl.org
Web: http://www.sfl.org

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